Omani student company turns invasive tree into green gold
The students have extracted a raw material from the mesquite tree suitable for use in both the plastic and health products industries. The project, which combines environmental sustainability with biotechnology, is being hailed as a model for circular economy initiatives in the region.
Badr bin Saeed al Azizi, CEO of GreeNova, said the company has spent more than two years in research and development to reach this milestone. 'We've created a product that is stronger, cheaper and heat-resistant using a plant once regarded as a burden,' he said. The innovation has been validated by a report from Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China.
GreeNova's focus is not limited to finding an alternative to plastic. The company also found that the mesquite tree contains compounds with medicinal properties. Extracts from the leaves are now being used to develop personal care products, including hair wash, body wash and natural soap. These items are marketed as 100% natural and locally sourced, with ambitions to compete in international markets.
According to Azizi, the company has captured 40% of market share in Oman for alternative raw materials in plastic production. He attributes this to a partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhahirah, which gave the company access to mesquite tree waste – earlier a costly environmental problem for the government.
'Our project has turned a costly waste disposal issue into a profitable and sustainable business model,' he said.
Elias bin Abdullah al Hatmi, another member of GreeNova, informed that the company has participated in several local and international entrepreneurial competitions and received awards for innovation. GreeNova is currently incubated under the Dhahirah Innovates initiative supported by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Hatmi said the company's success lies in its ability to convert environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
‘Future Pioneers' camp kicks off in North Al Batinah
Sohar — The activities of the third edition of the "Future Pioneers" camp commenced today at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, targeting 50 students from the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah Governorate. The five-day camp is part of national efforts to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, equipping them with early exposure to technical projects and startups. This initiative aims to build a generation capable of meeting the demands of the knowledge economy and providing innovative solutions to developmental challenges. The camp seeks to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among participants, equipping them with fundamental skills in entrepreneurship and the establishment of technical projects, while also enhancing their creative and innovative thinking abilities. The program includes practical workshops and theoretical lectures focusing on key themes such as innovation concepts, investment, early-stage business establishment, and specialized training in small and medium enterprise (SME) development. Additionally, students will be encouraged to design entrepreneurial projects that serve the community and align with economic priorities. Throughout the camp, participants will explore Oman's institutional ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship, including funding entities, accelerators, and incubators, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. This approach aims to enhance opportunities for transforming ideas into viable and sustainable projects. The camp—organized by some startups in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority—will conclude by honoring the top three student startup companies. Financial rewards have been allocated to incentivize excellence and creativity, recognizing the efforts made in developing value-added projects.
Times of Oman
17-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Agreements signed to implement service projects in Al Dhahirah Governorate
Ibri: Agreements worth more than OMR1 million were signed in Al Dhahirah Governorate on Thursday to implement service and development projects. The agreement were inked by Najeeb Ali Al Rowas, Governor of Al Dhahirah, and representatives of private sector companies. The step was aimed to upgrade infrastructure and enhance the quality of services in the governorate's wilayats. The agreements included the implementation of three projects. The first is a road maintenance project in the Wilayat of Ibri. The second is an internal road maintenance project in the Wilayats of Dhank and Yanqul. Both projects deal with the re-planning and re-designing of roads and speed breakers, the installation of road signs and the replacement of asphalt layers. The third is a lighting project for the Kabara-Wadi-Al Ain Road in the Wilayat of Ibri. It deals with the supply and installation of 178 lighting poles to enhance the safety and security of road users during the night.
Observer
17-07-2025
- Observer
Students make toiletries, plastic alternatives out of 'menace' mesquite
IBRI: The student-led company "Greenova" from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri has achieved a breakthrough by extracting alternatives to plastic and advanced health products from the mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora). This pioneering step merges green economy principles with biotechnology, embodying Omani innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. The company has emerged as a leader in transforming what was long considered a "harmful plant" into a hub of environmental and industrial innovation. Badr bin Said al Azizi, CEO of Greenova, stated: "With over two years of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, the company has established a national and global reputation by developing a mesquite-based alternative to plastic. This material is stronger, cheaper, shatterproof and more heat-resistant." He noted that the material's high efficiency has been validated by a credible report from the Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China, supervised by leading scientists, reinforcing the innovation's credibility and the product's robustness. He said: "By extracting compounds from mesquite leaves, the company has produced 100 per cent natural hair wash, body wash and soap derived from a local tree. This Omani-made product meets global standards, competes in international markets and offers a safe, healthy alternative to existing options." The CEO emphasised that Greenova has achieved remarkable milestones in a short time. Sales of its plastic alternative raw material have captured 40 per cent of the Omani market in a single transaction, with a net daily profit of 35 per cent, reflecting the project's economic viability and environmental sustainability. This success followed extensive efforts, including a strategic agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate to utilise mesquite tree waste — which previously required millions of riyals in annual public tenders for disposal. Thus, an environmental burden has been turned into an economic opportunity, positioning Greenova as a model for circular economy practices. Elyas bin Abdullah al Hatmi from Greenova highlighted the company's participation in numerous entrepreneurial events, such as Start-up Weekend and national and international hackathons, where it secured first place in 2025. The company also competed in Qatar's 2024 championship and reached the finals of Oman's Injaz exhibition in 2025. Notably, Greenova won incubation support from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Al Dhahirah under the "Dhakira Innovates" initiative, cementing its strong presence in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. — ONA
